Press Release

Stagecoach Group Submits Bid For Greater Western Rail Franchise

26 September 2005

• Innovative plans to revitalise railway and make it a national model
• Comprehensive package of improvements to attract more passengers
• Value-for-money for taxpayers and premium payments to Government

Stagecoach Group today (26 September 2005) submitted its bid for the new Greater Western rail franchise with a commitment to deliver a revitalised railway for passengers.

The bid, which has been developed following extensive consultation with local stakeholders, offers significant premium payments to the Government as part of a comprehensive and value-for-money package of improvements.

Stagecoach – bidding as Brunel Trains Limited - is one of three companies shortlisted for the franchise by the Department for Transport, which is bringing together three existing franchises under a new Greater Western network.

Passengers and taxpayers enjoy significant benefits under the Stagecoach proposals, including:

• A multi-million-pound investment in trains, depots and stations
• Measures to dramatically improve operational performance of the high speed train fleet and make the railway more reliable for passengers
• Improvements to on-board passenger comfort and facilities
• Better value fares for passengers
• A detailed management transition plan to bring the current three franchises together smoothly under one unified network
• Proposals for closer working relationships with Network Rail and other operators

Brian Souter, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “Brunel was one of Britain’s true engineering greats and we believe we have put together a bid that incorporates the same qualities of investment, innovation and improvement that will truly put the ‘great’ into the Greater Western franchise.

“Our bold plans will deliver the essential ingredients for today’s railway: operational expertise, first-class service to customers and value for money to taxpayers. We believe we have developed a compelling and winning package that can transform Greater Western into a national model for punctual, clean and comfortable trains, smart and safe stations, and friendly and efficient staff, delivering a revitalised railway. We look forward to working with the Department for Transport during their evaluation of the bids, and to a final decision regarding the franchise.”

Stagecoach operates the UK’s largest rail franchise, South West Trains, which was named Passenger Operator of the Year at the 2005 National Rail Awards.